ZenithOptimedia Swallows German SEO Agency for Performics' Gain

Berlin-based SEO agency AKM3 has announced its acquisition by ZenithOptimedia, subject to federal clearance.

The company is now expected to be on hand to boost search marketing efforts at Performics, another ZenithOptimedia agency, which focuses on performance-based campaigns.

Terms listed in the deal indicate that all AKM3 management will retain their roles, but will now report to Frank-Peter Lortz, chairman at ZenithOptimedia Germany.

High-tier clients such as Zalando, Teufel Audio and Axel Springer will also see their search campaigns switch over to management by Performics as the agency - which has an office in Dusseldorf - looks to become a leader of SEO in Germany.

High aspirations

Founded in 2011, AKM3 has taken little time in earning a reputation as a force in the highly competitive niche of search engine optimisation.

Performics also offers services to help companies rank highly for desirable search queries. These include website tailoring to ensure all elements of a page are aligned with SEO guidelines.

With headquarters in Chicago, the company has 40 offices spread across the EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific regions. However, much attention will be paid to boosting business in Germany, as stated by Lortz.

“AKM3 is a natural fit with Performics and the combined offering will take ZenithOptimedia’s performance marketing expertise to the next level.

“This acquisition will make us a top three performance agency in Germany,” he added.

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Richard Towey

Richard serves as head of content at PerformanceIN. After many years spent covering developments from the automotive, sports, travel and finance sectors, he eventually turned his full attention to reporting on stories from the fast-evolving world of digital marketing. Richard now heads up the editorial team at PerformanceIN: the performance marketing industry's leading publication.